Born to Hardie and Delois Davis, Hardie grew up in Forsyth, Georgia and relocated to Augusta in 1985. His parents instilled within him the values of hard work, respect for his fellow man and service to others.

Hardie holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Christian Life School of Theology in Columbus. In college, he began teaching bible study which prepared him to become founder and senior pastor of Abundant Life Worship Center in Augusta, Georgia. Hardie's career includes 18 years of systems, automation and controls engineering. His public service spans 3 years as state Representative, 5 years as state Senator, and he is currently serving the third year of his first term as Mayor of Augusta.

A distinguished lawmaker while in the state legislature, Hardie served as chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee and was an active member of the Economic Development, Ethics, Finance and higher Education Senate Committees. He has been recognized by numerous organizations and constituent groups, including Georgia Bio, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education.

During the first few months of this tenure as Mayor, Hardie engaged Augusta as a My Brother's Keeper Community and launched the first Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program. He also re-established a college credit-based Mayor's Fellows Program. Hardie began a Mayor's Office Hours program to take City Hall to Augustans in informal settings at small business within each commission district, making local government more accessible and transparent. Hardie is committed to working with small business owners and has hosted Small Business Association officials for roundtable discussions to bring technical assistance and resources for their operations.

While a senior in high school, he met Evett Plather of Valdosta. Married for over 20 years, Hardie and Evett are the proud parents of Benjamin Joshua Davis.